Before we answer this question: “What are the most common allergies for German Shepherd?” You should know that German Shepherd is a very popular dog breed. They are known for their intelligence, smartness, and fast learning pace. They also have a vicious demeanor and a tough skin coat that prevents them from various skin infections.
However, is this dog breed prone to allergies? Keep reading to get the answer to that query. In this article, I will provide answers to all these queries: “Do German Shepherds have allergies?” What are the common German Shepherd allergies and how can you prevent them? What are the symptoms of allergies in German Shepherds? etc. Without further ado, let’s dive into the main reason for this article.
Do German Shepherds have allergies?
Yes, German Shepherds are very prone to allergies, especially skin allergies. They are hypersensitive, and they can easily react to allergens either physically by having rashes on their skin, sneezing, or redness of the skin and eyes. Their allergic reaction can go as far as having the flu, a skin infection, or even a feverish condition.
As humans, we all know how irritants make us uncomfortable; this is also how your dog becomes uncomfortable when exposed to some irritants or allergens.
Allergies in German Shepherds can also be hereditary. It is a trait that is passed down from a parent to her offspring. i.e., a German Shepherd puppy whose mother is slightly prone to allergies will also be less prone to allergies.
German Shepherds are prone to some common allergies, and these allergies will be discussed in the next heading. Do well to keep reading because you will learn how to prevent your German Shepherd from these common allergies. Doing this will automatically make your furry friend live a wonderful life.
What are the most common allergies for German Shepherd?
Now that you know that German Shepherds are prone to allergies, let us discuss extensively some of the common forms of allergies they are prone to. They include:
1: Environmental Allergies
This is an allergic reaction that occurs in German Shepherds due to the things around them or surrounding them. Some of the environmental allergens include pollen, plants, grass, dust, flakes, carpet, etc.
Pollen
Pollen is a yellowish powdery substance that contains microscopic grains, and it is usually discharged from the male part of a flower. If you have flowery trees in your house, your German shepherd will be prone to allergies caused by pollen, especially during the spring because this is when plants produce and discharge pollen grains most.
During the spring period, I will advise you to keep your dog away from plants in your environment.
Some common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to pollen are:
- Hives
- Watery eyes and a runny nose
- Face rubbing
- Sneezing
- Scratching
Fleas
A flea is a very annoying creature. They are useless in all aspects but can also cause havoc, even with their tiny size.
Fleas are the most common irritant under environmental allergies. This is because they can be found anywhere in your environment. However, flea allergies can easily be noticed in your dogs because their symptom is very visible (a flea bite scar).
Flea allergies are also easily controllable, and they can be controlled by getting preventative products that will kill the flea directly after coming into contact with your dog’s skin.
I will advise you to use only preventative products because they kill the flea even before it bites your dog.
Some of the common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to a flea bite are:
- Rashes on the skin
- Constant itching and biting
- Redness of the skin and bumps that look like pimples
- Scratching
- Hair loss in the spot where the dog is being bitten
Plants
Another thing your dog might be allergic to is plants. We have discussed pollen, and now you know that plants produce pollen.
German shepherds are also allergic to plants and might tend to show allergic reactions when closer to the plant.
If you have a plant in your environment, observe your dog’s reaction anytime he moves closer to the plant. If you notice any negative signs or symptoms, the best advice I can give you is to cut the plants because your dog’s well-being should be your utmost concern.
Some of the common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to plants are:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Red eyes
2: Food Allergies
Here is another German Shepherd common allergy. This is an allergic reaction that occurs due to what your dog has eaten. It can be their normal daily diet (kibbles, canned foods, raw foods), but it can also be their chew treats, proteins, fruits, etc.—anything at all that your dog consumes.
Let’s discuss how these foods cause allergies in German Shepherds.
Chicken and beef
Most protein-rich foods cause allergies in German Shepherds because dogs are allergic to protein. However, protein is still needed in your dog’s diet to make them grow adequately. So should you scrape protein out of your dog’s diet? No, do not do that, but endeavor to buy buy foods with only suitable proteins.
Chicken and other animal meats, such as beef, are very rich in protein. Making your dog feed solely on these foods can lead to digestive and skin issues, and leaving them untreated can further lead to skin infections, ear infections, etc.
You should also feed your dogs food that contains vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants instead of feeding them with proteins only.
The best alternatives for protein are:
- Fish
- Egg
- Broccoli
Some common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to chicken are:
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Skin infection
- Diarrhea
- Excessive licking of the skin
Dairy
Another protein that causes allergic reactions in dogs is dairy. However, only 17% of dogs are allergic to dairy, unlike chicken and beef, which have quite a higher number.
Not all dogs are allergic to lactose in milk; giving your dog cheese or yogurt doesn’t mean they will cause an allergy in him. But, you just have to be observant anytime you give your German Shepherd milk.
Always be observant and notice how your dog reacts after a few minutes (15–20) of taking the milk. You should also know that dogs can get more easily allergic to cow’s milk than to cheese or yogurt due to the wide range of differences in lactose quantity.
Some of the common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to dairy are:
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin infection
3: Contact Allergies
This is a form of allergy that arises in dogs due to the thing or surface that comes in contact with your dog’s skin. It might be their bathing shampoo or conditioner, perfume, the carpet type, or anything at all that usually comes in contact with their skin.
Bathing Shampoo or Conditioner
Your allergic dog might get easily allergic to bathing shampoos; this is why you have to make inquiries before buying any bathing shampoo.
Look at the description and buy only hypoallergenic ones.
A hypoallergenic shampoo is the best for dogs that suffer from allergies; it has a mild scent and also contains the necessary ingredients and nutrients that will help your dog maintain a healthy and lustrous coat.
If you notice any of these symptoms after bathing your dog with shampoo, kindly stop using the shampoo for your dog because further usage will make your dog susceptible to skin cancer.
The symptoms include:
- Excessive Sneezing after bathing
- Dry skin and dander falling from your dog’s coat
- Rashes on your dog’s skin
- Excessive itching
4: Inhalant Allergies:
This is a form of allergy that occurs in your German Shepherd due to what they inhale or breathe in. It can be perfume, insecticides, pollen, dust, mild dews, etc. Let’s discuss how these common allergens affect your German Shepherd.
Perfumes
Most German Shepherd owners want their dog to smell nice, but while you might think you are doing the right thing by wearing your dog’s perfume, you are actually making a very big mistake. This is because dogs hate perfumes, especially the ones with strong smells and chemicals.
According to research, dogs have a very strong olfactory sense. They have more than 200 million more olfactory receptors than humans, which makes them smell things easily.
Most of the expensive perfumes you spray on your dog have adverse effects on them; the strong smell and chemicals in the perfumes trigger allergic reactions in your dogs, which makes them feel so uncomfortable.
You should also be aware of how you wear perfume at night before going to bed, because the perfume you wear will make your German Shepherd feel uncomfortable, especially when he sleeps beside you at night.
Some common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to perfume are:
- Rashes on the skin
- Itchiness
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Runny eyes and nose
- reddish skin, and their skin becomes suddenly inflamed.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are another factor that will be listed under the inhalant form of allergy. Using strong cleaning agents to clean your furniture, carpet, and surroundings will lead to allergies in your German shepherd.
Most of these cleaning agents incorporate harmful and strong chemicals, and their scent might make your German shepherd uncomfortable.
However, will you stop cleaning your house and make it look dirty? No, you shouldn’t do that, but I will recommend using a natural cleaning product with a mild smell. You can also visit a store and inquire about a cleaning product for dogs with allergies. A reputable store owner should get you a good cleaning product that won’t trigger allergic reactions in your dog.
Some common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to cleaning products are:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Excessive drooling
- Inflammation of the skin
- unusual quest for water
Dust Mites
Dust can cause allergies in German shepherds and even in humans when inhaled. If you’ve heard about “Atomic Dermatitis,” the main causative agent is dust, and it is a skin condition that affects dogs.
Dust mites are tiny creatures present in the dust, and when they get into contact with your dog, it causes allergies in them. Although you can reduce it to the barest minimum by cleaning every corner of your room and making sure it is dirt and dust-free, You should also allow proper ventilation.
Some common symptoms that show that your German Shepherd is allergic to dust mites are:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Redness of the skin
- Itchy ears
- Hives
All allergens or irritants that affect your dog fall under any of these four types of allergies.
Now that we know the things that cause allergies in German Shepherds, Let us discuss some of the best ways to prevent common allergies in German Shepherds.
Ways of preventing common allergies in German Shepherds
Environmental Allergies
- Keep your dog away from plants that cause allergies.
- Always keep your room dust-free to prevent dust mites.
- Clean your floor with only hypoallergenic cleaning products.
- Do not plant common allergenic plants such as mulberry trees, oak trees, or oleander in your environment.
Food Allergies
- Buy food products from only approved stores.
- Make inquiries from your vet about the type of food you should get for your German Shepherd.
- Avoid feeding your German Shepherd only proteins. Especially chicken and beef
- Do not give your dog milk, be it cow milk, goat milk, or yogurt, if he is allergic to dairy.
- Do not feed your dog chocolate.
- Incorporate vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your dog’s daily diet.
Contact Allergies
- Always clean your surroundings and ensure they are 100% free from fleas.
- Clean the floor with only recommended washing products that won’t trigger allergies in your German Shepherd.
- Do not spray perfume on your dog’s body.
- Always put your dog on a leash when going to a park to avoid playing around allergenic plants.
Inhalant Allergies
- Avoid spraying insecticides in the same room your dog stays.
- Do not wear heavy perfumes when you are around your dog.
- Vacuum your house and ensure it is 100% free from dander, dust, and dust mites.
- Do not plant in an area where your dog can easily reach to avoid allergies caused by pollen.
These are the helpful tips to help you prevent your German Shepherd from some common allergies.
If you also notice any of the symptoms that have been listed in this article in your dog, do not assume it is a minor health issue. The best thing you should do is visit your vet immediately for proper care and medication.
Final Thought
I believe I have provided a concrete answer to your query, “What are the common allergies for German Shepherds?” And I have also given you a bonus by telling you the symptoms of common allergies in German Shepherds and how you can prevent your dogs from developing these allergies.
If you enjoy the article, kindly share it on your social media platforms and also with friends who you feel needed this. Doing this will help to create more awareness and make people aware of German Shepherds and their common allergies.
Before you go, you can also read:
- 7 Tips to Avoid Dog Attacks
- How to boost dogs’ immune systems naturally
- Are apples good for my dog? Find out here!